State of Illinois Opt Out Program

Full-time employees who are eligible for and/or enrolled in the State of Illinois Group Insurance Program may, with proof of other non-State comprehensive health coverage, elect not to participate in the State Group Health Insurance program. Employees who opt out will no longer be enrolled in health, dental or vision coverage through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS).

Employees may opt out of health, dental, and vision coverage during their 30 calendar day initial enrollment period, during the annual Benefit Choice period, or within 60 days of an eligible Qualifying Event. Opting out of health, dental and vision insurance may be done online by selecting the link above. The election to opt out is entirely voluntary and there are no financial incentives or considerations available to those who opt out.

Eligibility

State of Illinois full-time employees may elect to opt out of the health, dental, and vision coverage. Proof of enrollment in another health plan, either comprehensive major medical coverage or comprehensive managed care, from a source other than those plans administered by CMS (which includes the Local Government Health Plan, Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program, or College Insurance Program) must be submitted. State of Illinois employees may not insure other State of Illinois benefits-eligible employees as their dependents.

Individuals who wish to opt out of health, dental, and
vision coverage may do so on CMS MyBenefits. Following completion of the opt-out application process, individuals will be notified by CMS if the request has been approved or denied.

FAQs

If electing to opt out of the health, dental, and vision coverage, can individuals participate in other State of Illinois benefit programs?Individuals electing to opt out are still required by the Group Insurance Act to have State-paid basic life coverage and they may still elect voluntary optional life coverage. Individuals electing to opt out are eligible to participate in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program. Electing to opt out of the State of Illinois group insurance plan does not change eligibility for benefits provided by the University of Illinois.

What happens to covered dependents of individuals electing to opt out? Enrolled dependents of individuals electing to opt out will be terminated effective the same date as the member.

Upon termination, are the member and their dependents eligible for COBRA continuation coverage?No, neither the member nor their dependents are eligible for COBRA continuation coverage.

Can individuals elect to opt out and become dependents of a spouse who is a State member?No. The Group Insurance Act prohibits enrollment of State members as dependents of any plan administered by CMS. Therefore, individuals may not enroll as a dependent of their spouse in the State of Illinois Group Insurance Program, Local Government Health Plan, Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program, or College Insurance Program.